[FAQ] Common Questions for TI's ADS129x Family of Bio-Potential ADCs

Hi Alex,

Why, yes! Check out some of these frequently-asked questions below and be sure to check back later for more:

Portfolio Overview:

• Does TI Provide an overview for their Bio-Potential ADC portfolio?
• Where can I find additional training videos for ECG applications?

Common Device Questions:

• Why does the Device ID register show the incorrect number of channels?
• What is the minimum frequency for my SCLK?
• How do I convert ADC output codes to volts?
• What are the correct polarity and phase (CPOL, CPHA) SPI settings?
• I'm having trouble communicating with my ADS129x device via SPI. What debug steps I should try?
• How do I verify that my ADS129x device is still functional? 
• What are the dimensions of the ADS1293 thermal pad?

Bio-Potential Features:

• Does TI have an application note that covers how respiration rate is measured?
• Does TI have an application note that covers the theory behind lead-off detection?
• How is electrode contact impedance calculated using lead-off detection?
• How are the lead-off comparator thresholds set?
• Does TI have an application note that covers how to improve common-mode rejection (remove 50/60Hz noise) using the right-leg drive amplifier (RLD)?

• Does TI have a reference design for hardware pacemaker detection in ECG?
• Does TI have a reference design for software pacemaker detection in ECG?
• Does TI have a reference design for monitoring personal multi-parameter bio-signals?
• Is it possible to measure electrode contact impedance?
• How do I calculate the DC gain of the RLD or BIAS amplifier?

EVM Support:

• Do the ADS129x EVMs work on Windows 8 and Windows 10?
• Where can I find the source code for the ADS1293EVM?
• Is any additional support for the ADS1293EVM available? (EVM Unboxing Video and Gerbers)
• Does TI provide source code (C/C++/CCS) for the ADS1191, ADS1192, ADS1292, or ADS1292R?
• Does TI provide source code (C/C++/CCS) for the ADS1298 or ADS1298R?
• Does TI provide source code (C/C++/CCS) for the ADS1299-4, ADS1299-6, or ADS1299?
• What documentation is available for the MMB0?